GeoPDF maps permit fast dissemination and the ability to update with current, geospatial information from the field

ATLANTA – May 3, 2011 – Hitachi Solutions, Ltd., as part of its effort to assist in the reconstruction following the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, has donated a TerraGo® GeoPDF® map atlas to the central Japanese government, disaster response headquarters and local governments.

By utilizing TerraGo GeoPDF pre- and post-March 11 maps and imagery in residential damage assessment, clerical work of issuing disaster damage certificates can be dramatically simplified. GeoPDF maps are easy to both view and update from the field and can also be put to effective use in the planning for reconstruction efforts. Distribution of the GeoPDF maps to the disaster response headquarters and local governments in the affected Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures will be carried out by the Japanese Cabinet Office.

Certification of property damage, which until now has required confirmation on site, can now be carried out much quicker through the comparison of residential maps containing homeowners’ names and post-disaster satellite images. Even in situations where on-site visual inspection is necessary, use of the geographical coordinates in the map can greatly expedite the inspection process. Furthermore, by making reconstruction schedules on the basis of area-by-area damage predictions that the satellite images make possible, progress can be monitored by uploading the status of recovery efforts on the GeoPDF map atlas.

The GeoPDF map atlas was created using Hitachi Solutions’ GeoMation® GIS platform with TerraGo Publisher™ and Composer™. TerraGo geospatial collaboration software and GeoPDF maps and imagery are among the most widely adopted solutions to produce, access, update and share geospatial information with anyone, anywhere. Hitachi Solutions is the TerraGo distributor in Japan and East Asia and a joint development partner.

“Disaster response and reconstruction are greatly aided by the ability to disseminate geospatial information and to incorporate the most current intelligence from the scene to be shared by individuals and between organizations whether in a connected or offline disaster environment,” said Jeff Vining, Gartner vice president and research analyst for government, homeland security and law enforcement.

“TerraGo is honored to work with its valued partner Hitachi Solutions in providing geospatial collaboration software that will help accelerate the recovery effort for this unprecedented disaster,” said TerraGo CEO Rick Cobb. “Through our solutions and technical support, we hope that we can contribute to reconstruction and improving the lives of those in the devastated area.”

The GeoPDF atlas maps to be distributed are comprised of three layers: residential cadaster maps from before the earthquake; flood estimate data and satellite imaging from after the disaster. Users will be able to confirm the condition of affected areas by comparing the different layers, as well as utilize geographical coordinates to add information and images to each location.

Hitachi Solutions will also be providing Nikon-Trimble mobile terminal "GPS Pathfinder SB" that includes software to write data on the GeoPDF map to permit on-site uploading of current georegistered data and images to the GeoPDF map atlas. GeoPDF maps can support the inclusion of georegistered audio, video, notes, Web services and other intelligence.

Hitachi Solutions plans to expand support coverage in response to requests from local governments, provide add-on tools for integrating data on the GeoPDF maps using cloud services and continue to seek ways it can assist in reconstruction efforts.

In addition, Hitachi Solutions will supply Hitachi StarBoard® interactive whiteboards, which can be placed in disaster response headquarters, for example, to visualize spatial information and coordinate support efforts more efficiently.

About Hitachi Solutions Hitachi Solutions, Ltd. was formed as a new solutions provider from the merger of Hitachi Software Engineering Co., Ltd. and Hitachi Systems & Services, Ltd. on Oct.1, 2010.

About TerraGo Technologies TerraGo Technologies geospatial collaboration software and GeoPDF maps and imagery are among the most widely adopted solutions to produce, access, update and share geospatial information with anyone, anywhere. TerraGo solutions enable enterprises to extend and exchange geo-referenced maps, imagery, audio, video and other intelligence in online and disconnected environments. Trusted by thousands of government agencies and businesses throughout the world, TerraGo solutions increase the return on geospatial investment through greater organizational efficiency, productivity and responsiveness. For more information, visit
www.terragotech.com.